ATLANTA – State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) recently convened the fourth meeting of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances on Friday, October 9, 2026, at West Georgia Technical College in Waco, Ga.
“As this study committee continues its work, it is important that we hear from law enforcement, public health experts, industry representatives and families who have been directly impacted by these substances,” said Rep. Townsend. “Their testimonies help us better understand the challenges surrounding kratom and other retail-available substances and identify potential solutions to protect Georgia’s children and communities. Our goal is to carefully consider the information presented and determine what steps may be needed to address these concerns moving forward. We are appreciative to the community of Waco and West Georgia Technical College for hosting us, and I look forward to continuing this study committee’s work as we approach the upcoming 2027 legislative session in January.”
Rep. Townsend opened the meeting with a recap of the study committee’s previous meeting at the University of Georgia, where members heard testimony from healthcare professionals, educators, families, individuals in recovery, industry representatives and consumers. The testimony at the previous meeting focused on the risks and experiences associated with kratom, youth vaping and other retail-available substances, as well as potential regulatory approaches.
Following Rep. Townsend’s recap, study committee members heard testimony from Jason Smith, District Attorney for the Tallapoosa Circuit, regarding the sale of kratom and other retail-available substances, particularly at gas stations. District Attorney Smith discussed the growing availability of these products and their effects on public safety, including reports of addiction and deaths in the community. A deputy assigned to a regional drug task force in the Tallapoosa Circuit also testified about the enforcement of current laws governing kratom and other retail-available substances and potential areas for improvement. The deputy noted that products currently on the market differ from those available when the existing law was enacted and outlined steps other states have taken to strengthen enforcement and establish additional safeguards.
The study committee then heard testimony from representatives on various perspectives regarding kratom regulation. An advocate for the American Kratom Association discussed the importance of supporting appropriate regulation of natural leaf kratom. Dean Francis, president and founder of End Kratom Addiction, addressed concerns about the regulation and labeling of kratom products, including products marketed as natural leaf kratom that may be mislabeled and have addictive properties. A certified natural health practitioner and a representative from Wild Harvest Indonesia also provided testimony on natural leaf kratom.
Throughout the meeting, several local elected officials and law enforcement representatives shared their perspectives on the effects of kratom and other retail-available substances. Mayor of Cartersville Matt Santini shared firsthand accounts of individuals in his community who have been affected by these products and encouraged the study committee to consider legislative action to strengthen regulations, particularly to protect children. Mayor Santini also emphasized the importance of allowing cities and counties to make local decisions about the distribution and use of these products based on the needs of their communities.
Members of the Conyers Police Department also testified about cases involving young children affected by kratom and other retail-available substances and urged the study committee to consider legislation that would ban the products in all forms. The Georgia Department of Revenue also provided an overview of the regulation and enforcement of alcohol, tobacco and vapor products, including the collection of excise taxes. DOR presented policy recommendations for kratom and discussed how the department could regulate and enforce requirements for kratom and other retail-available substances if legislation were enacted.
The study committee also heard from Sheldon Bradshaw, regulatory counsel with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a member of Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness, an organization that advocates for evidence-based regulation of plant-derived products. He outlined clinical studies conducted on kratom and emphasized the distinction between natural kratom leaf and synthetic kratom products, noting that the broad use of the term “kratom” can contribute to confusion about the products.
Matthew Lowe, executive director of the Global Kratom Coalition, emphasized that Georgia should focus on improving enforcement of existing law rather than enacting additional legislation. The study committee then heard testimony from the Georgia Department of Agriculture regarding kratom and other retail-available substances, followed by presentations from representatives of several agencies on vaping and its public health impacts, particularly among youth. Presentations addressed nicotine addiction, trends in youth vaping and factors contributing to youth use, including the marketing and accessibility of these products.
Rep. Townsend adjourned the meeting after opening the floor up to public testimony and announced the next meeting date. A recording of the study committee meeting may be found here.
The next study committee meeting will take place on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. in room 606 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building in Atlanta. Future meetings of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances will be posted on the House schedule here.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary, Juvenile committees.
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